Wednesday, February 27, 2013

CHRIST'S MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

Israel, from near its inception, has longed for a king who would cause the nations to submit to him (1 Sam. 8:4-22). When Jesus came, many recognized Him as the answer to their prayers; in fact, the Gospel message, which He told His disciples to preach, was that He was the King for whom they longed (Mt. 2:4-6; 4:23; 9:35; Mk. 1:14; Jn. 1:41; Acts 1:2-6; 20:25; 28:31; etc.). In addition, His model prayer included the line, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done" here on earth as it is in heaven (Mt. 6:10; Lk. 11:2). The mother of James and John, as well as her sons themselves, wanted them to have the most prominent seats when Jesus finally "took over" (Mt. 20:20-21; Mk. 10:35-37).

While some known as amillennialists, that is, those who do not interpret Revelation 20:1-7 literally, believe the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan to rule the world He created, these folks are guilty of falling for the false doctrine of Replacement Theology. It is clear from Romans, Ch. 9 - 11, that they are just plain wrong. The Jews will have their kingdom, with Jesus as their King.

The Kingdom of God will differ in at least ten ways from the world as we experience it:

* Jesus Christ will be King over the entire world - Dan. 2:35; 7:14; Zech. 14:9; etc.
* He will be the judicial, legislative, and executive branches - Isa. 33:22; etc.
* He will be a just ruler - Isa. 11:2-5; Jer. 23:5; etc.
* He will be a peaceful ruler - Ps. 46:9; Isa. 2:4; 9:6; etc.
* There will be only one religion - Isa. 11:9; Jer. 31:34; Zech 14:17; etc.
* Satan will not be present during this period - Rev. 20:1-10; etc.
* The earth will be fruitful; the curse is gone - Gen. 3:17-19; Isa. 32:15; 35:1-7; etc.
* Sickness will have a cure - Isa. 29:18; 33:24; 35:5-6; etc.
* Long life will, once again, be the norm - Gen. 5:1-32; Isa. 65:20; etc.
* Animals will be at peace with man and each other - Isa. 11:6-9; 65:25; etc.

Over the years since Jesus' Ascension, the Gospel message has become totally focused upon Christ's First Advent. Perhaps that is because of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, which gives a clear picture of His death, His burial, and His Resurrection. However, Paul's first letter to the Church at Corinth clearly teaches Christ's Second Advent as part of his Gospel message (1 Cor. 1:7-8; 4:5; 11:26; 15:50-53; 16:22; etc.).

To Israel, He is their King of kings; to the Church, He is Lord of lords!